People of all ages are in need of financial assistance, including the elderly. But many elderly people these days don't feel comfortable moving into a nursing home, which is often thought to be the only option for older low-income people. If your low-income parent is determined to live alone, but needs a little help now and then, an assisted living facility is a fantastic option. When older people are choosing to live independently, a question of financials and affordability often comes up. Keep reading to learn more about how your parent can use a Section 8 voucher for an apartment in an assisted living community.
Section 8 Basics
Section 8 housing vouchers are provided by the federal government to help low income individuals and families afford a safe and decent place to live. This program also helps elderly folks and people with disabilities. This program provides rental assistance only. Your parent cannot use a voucher to pay for meals or services provided at the supported living facility.
A resident with a Section 8 voucher is obligated to pay rent that is no more than 30% of his or her adjusted gross income. And the amount of the voucher is equal to the difference of the resident's rent obligation and the Fair Market Rent, which is adjusted annually.
Senior Housing Accepting Section 8
There are some senior housing communities, including those that provide assisting and support services, which accept Section 8 housing vouchers. As long as the community accepts housing vouchers, then your mom or dad could live there and use the monthly voucher they receive.
All assisted living communities that accept Section 8 vouchers must be inspected annually by the local Public Housing Authority. They must also have a Housing Assistance Payment contract, and be licensed and regulated by the state. If there is no state law where your loved one lives, then the community must be regulated by the local municipality or other type of subdivision.
Today, many older folks prefer to age in place, meaning they don't want to live in a nursing home. This gives them the opportunity to continue living an independent lifestyle, but there is always someone there to help them when needed. And most facilities have medical professions on site at all times for those emergency situations that can arise as people get older. For more information about using a Section 8 voucher to pay for a supported living situation, contact an assisted living facility in your area, such as GENACTA Home Care. They'd be happy to speak to you and your loved one.
